BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Image Leaks Out – PHEV Version Expected to Launch in 2015

The first image (and now more courtesy of BMW who responded to the leaked image by releasing its own official photos) of the actual BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which will soon be available in a plug-in hybrid version, has hit the Internet.

BMW Concept Active Tourer

Courtesy of BMW Blog, we bring you this first image of the 2 Series Active Tourer.

Note how similar the 2 Series Active Tourer (above) is to the Concept Active Tourer (right).

The front-wheel-drive 2 Series Active Tourer will launch later this year. The plug-in hybrid version will follow, perhaps as early as mid-2015.

Here’s what to expect of the PHEV 2 Series Active Tourer:

Plug in version will likely feature a a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged (borrowed from the BMW i8) engine with a “high-performance” electric motor (likely borrowed from the BMW i3) and a lithium-ion battery.

This setup will crank out somewhere in the neighborhood of 190 hp, which will propel the production vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.

Top speed will be approximately 125 mph.

Electric-only range will likely be ~13 in EPA ratings

Additional details are expected to be released closer to the launch of the 2 Series Active Tourer PHEV.

BMW Didn’t Like That the 2 Series Active Tourer Leaked Out, So It Released Its Own Photos

What does that mean?
13 miles of electric range if measured on the EPA I assume.

Most PHEV cars in Germany are being made with 50km of EV range, which comes out to around 30 miles, admittedly on the more lenient NEDC cycle, perhaps 22-25 miles on the EPA, so how come this is thought likely to have such a low range, and how is this figure arrived at?

All you BMW fans look to 13 miles AER….Wooosh…. no sale!
OK, so you have a top speed that’ll keep you from being run over on the
Autobahn, so what good does that do you in the USA?

It’s Front Wheel Drive, and has very minimal storage behind the rear seats,
and no promise, without more photos, of three-across seating in back.

Will anybody give the Chevrolet Volt any kudos now? Or will we hear all sorts
of excuses and maybes from all who believe BEE EMM Double U spells:
GREAT CAR – just because of the propeller logo on the hood?

..tested an A6 3.0 TDI today, as part of Audi’s promotion giving customers a $75 card. Holy Engine-HUM, Batman. I responded that the interior and dreamy Q infotainment would be awesome in a 20kwh PHEV. –not happening. Me, shop for 9kwh? –not happening.